HOW TO DOWNLOAD FILES

Three words of advice about downloading files:

1. Virus check any files that are put on your computer. 
   Be sure to have good virus protection software running on your computer before downloading.  Make sure any files loaded on your computer are free from viruses before running them.

2. Be sure your hard drive has enough space for any new programs.
   To check the amount of available space on your hard drive, do the following:
   -  Double click the My Computer icon.
   -  Right click on the C: drive and select the Properties option.
   -  On the General tab section there is information on how much space
      is free  and how much space is used up.

3. Check the licensing agreement for any downloaded software.
   There are three basic types of downloadable programs:  freeware, shareware, and demos.  You may use freeware on any compatible computer without a fee.  Shareware programs may be used to try out the program for a limited period of time, then a registration fee is required if you decide to continue using it.  Demo programs are scaled-down versions of a program.  You can use them as much as you want, but will need to pay for the full version of the program.

STEPS FOR DOWNLOADING FILES

There are 3 basic steps in this process:
1.  Download the file to your computer.
2.  Unzip or decompress the file.
3.  Run the setup or installation (if it doesn't do it automatically during the unzip process).

STEP 1 - Download the file to your computer

• Locate the programs that you want to download.   A few download websites are:
  CNet.com and Kids Domain - PC Download
  Every website that allows you to download files operates a little differently.   Although the appearance of each site will be different, the same elements should be listed, such as: program description, file size, licensing agreements, and what type of computer system is required.

• Click the download icon or phrase to begin the process. 
  Again, every website will look a little different.  Some sites will have a phrase that reads something like: DOWNLOAD NOW or CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD.  Other web pages will list the addresses where you can access the program and you will need to click on the location closest to you. Look around the web page until you find the download link. 

• Next, a Save In window will appear.   This gives you the chance to specifiy where you want to save the file.  A good idea is to set up a folder called Downloads on your hard drive and save all downloaded files to it. If a box like the one below appears, click on the Save File button and then it will continue.
  
  

STEP 2 -Unzip (decompress) the file

• After the file has finished downloading, you need to "unzip" or "decompress" it.
  (Note:  files are transmitted in a compressed state to take up less space and save downloading time.  In order to use these files, they must be expanded back to their normal state).  Use Windows Explorer and find the file you just downloaded.  If it is a self-extracting file you can just double click on it and it will extract on its own.  If it is a "zipped" file, you will need a program like WinZip in order to extract it. 
  Click HERE to download WinZip. 

STEP 3 - Setup the program

• After a file is "unzipped" it has to go through an installation or setup routine.  Some programs do this automatically when being unzipped, some don't.  Watch the screen closely when unzipping the file.   You will notice if it does a setup.  Also watch to see where it is going to store the file. IF the file does not go do a setup when being unzipped, you willl have to find a file called INSTALL or SETUP and then double click that file to install the program.